Actually, I am not thrilled with either candidate. I voted against Regan in my first election and have voted a straight Democratic ticket in EVERY election (every primary, too) ever since. I may not vote for the president this time around.

I should have inserted the phrase "if this is true" somewhere in my post.

Alecsmom, I am not gullible. I am not a Christian. I make less than $30,000 a year. I give money and produce from my garden to people less fortunate than myself. I give to people I am not related to. I have given money to my brothers' when they have needed it. I have let people live in my house for free when they have gone through difficult times. It just feels like the right thing to do. I don't think Salon bullies can understand my point.

No, he is not obligated to help anyone. I am just saying if he had, I would respect him more. Didn't he say something about that at that Saddleback forum--our greatest moral failure has been selfishness? The one where he was trying to show he was a man of faith? As with everything he says, it is a great sound byte.

Mega dosing of Vitamin C (without Bioflavinoids) in the first 4 weeks has a pretty high success rate of inducing abortion.

Cheap and available.

Wow! I don't watch TV and apparently I am not missing much. I think that guy was on drugs during that segment. How much do they pay him? Very sad, really. Wow!

Many women who would not choose to terminate opt for the testing so that they can make arrangements for the added care the baby will need. It gives them time to mentally prepare as well.

That is why he didn't select her for his running mate, right? Palin is weak. Obama SHOULD be able to handle her without Senator Clinton's help.

Hillary is looking really good for 2012 right now.

Politics aside, what kind of loving parent would unleash such a media s**t storm on a 17 yr old kid who already has way too much to deal with?

Did anyone even notice that the statement they gave said that Bristol made the DECISION to keep the baby and marry the father?

Why did they emphasize that she even had a choice? McCain and Palin would like to take away choice.

That statement makes this very relevant.

Actually, I would ask those questions of a man who had this same family. Kids that young and a newborn with special needs require a lot of attention from both parents.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RN5xbWtNSU&feature=related

I was seriously thinking of voting for McCain. I wanted to see who he would select as his running mate. His selection of Sarah Palin lost any support I may have given him. The woman is a farce. She is an insult.

I can't wait for her to actually attempt to answer hard questions. The Washington Post report about her per diem and travel expenses is pretty damaging. She can brag about firing the private chef and saving the state that expense, but what she is really doing is redirecting some of that money into her own bank account. I hope someone is crunching the numbers to see how all her "cost-cutting" benefited her personal bottom line.

here is a link to the City of Wasilla website where they have posted relevant documents

http://www.cityofwasilla.com/index.aspx?page=136

You posted that "This is highly laughable. You know what Palin's most consistent stance has been? That offices she holds pay TOO MUCH."

If you open the document entitled "What are the duties of the Mayor of Wasilla?"

You will find this:

A. Upon the succession to office of each mayor who did not hold the office immediately preceding election or appointment, the annual salary for the position of mayor shall be seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000), and for so long as the same mayor remains continuously in office, the annual salary for the position of mayor shall increase by one and one-half percent on each anniversary of that succession to office.

B. The salary of the mayor may be reduced voluntarily at the mayor’s discretion. A decision of the mayor to reduce the salary is not binding upon or applicable to future administrations. The salary of the mayor may not be reduced by council action during a mayor’s term.

C. The mayor shall receive employee benefits as provided to all permanent employees of the city. (Ord. 07-35 § 2, 2007: prior code § 2.16.060)

Would be for someone who claims to be a Maverick and is against something, to actually do something to change whatever it is they are against. Say no to the bridge AND return the money. LOWER your salary if you really think it is too high. These things were in her control, she didn't do anything but give lip service for idiots.

If she had reduced her salary it would have pressured the future Mayors to follow her EXAMPLE. Leaders lead by EXAMPLE. She had the opportunity to show leadership and didn't take it.

Very convenient for her (and makes for a meaningless campaign boast.)

What about the funds she had already received for the bridge. Were her hands tied there, too?

I never said I supported Obama. I am not happy with either ticket this year. I am exploring Palin these days because she is new to the ticket and I like to make informed decisions.

Her stances seemed to open up much opportunity for her climb to power. Her personal income has increased greatly since she started taking her "stances," hasn't it?

The thing I hear most about her is she is so against earmarks. Why did she keep the bridge money? Why did she hire a lobbyist? Why did she leave her town in so much debt? Why didn't she reduce her salary and not take the per diems? Wasn't it her CHOICE to work from home?